Science How Solar Panel Works

A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.

Science how solar panel works.

The science behind solar pv cells solar pv panels are comprised of many small photovoltaic cells photovoltaic meaning they can convert sunlight into electricity. Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. A module is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a frame more commonly known as a solar panel which can then be grouped into larger solar. Solar cells are made of the same kinds of semiconductor materials such as silicon used in the microelectronics industry.

Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. How do solar panels work to generate electricity. The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are also called photovoltaic pv cells which as the name implies photo meaning light and voltaic meaning electricity convert sunlight directly into electricity.

A typical solar panel combines dozens of solar cells in an electrical circuit to produce a usable voltage which can provide power right away or be stored in batteries for later use some solar. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. For solar cells a thin semiconductor wafer is specially treated to form an electric field positive on one side and negative on the other. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units.